Childress, DEI partner for engine-building program

CONCORD, N.C. -- In a sense at least, maybe Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn't completely done driving for Dale Earnhardt Inc. after all.

Friday's announcement that Richard Childress Racing and DEI were combining their Chevrolet engine departments sent mild shockwaves through the garage area at Lowe's Motor Speedway, where Nextel Cup teams were preparing for Saturday's All-Star Challenge.

It was public knowledge that DEI was looking to partner up with another organization to bolster its underperforming operation, but it had been thought that Robert Yates Racing was the frontrunner to become that partner. Max Siegel, president of global operations for DEI, had confirmed that talks with Yates had taken place -- but had also said that DEI was looking at all options available.

The announcement came just eight days after Earnhardt announced he would no longer drive for DEI when his contract expires after this season, in effect making him a free agent. Among those who have publicly said they are prepared to bid for his services is the RCR operation where Junior's father carved out his reputation as a NASCAR legend.

Now RCR and DEI are going to be joined together in a major partnership that both hope will help improve the overall performances of their teams on the track.

"I didn't know anything about that until I was on my way here [to the Lowe's Motor Speedway]," said car owner Ray Evernham of Evernham Motorsports, a Dodge operation. "I guess it makes sense. I know DEI was looking to do something with somebody. I'm surprised it's just the engine thing; maybe it will end up going a little bit deeper than just that.

"But I think it's good for both of them. Maybe now Junior ends up back there with them. I'm just waiting to see what happens."

Whether Earnhardt ends up behind the wheel of an RCR car with a RCR/DEI engine in it remains to be seen, but the others involved in making the engine department merger reality said that they are excited about the possibilities it presents regardless. Childress said that the combined engine development program would begin immediately, and said that he looked forward to working with Teresa Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt's widow and the stepmother of Dale Jr.

"With the direction this sport has taken over the last few years, Teresa and I began talking about ways we could partner together to gain a competitive advantage and, at the same time, expand our resources," Childress said. "Both

RCR and DEI have proven that a three-car team can build its own engines and compete at the top, and combining the resources of both companies gives us even greater efficiencies and the competitive advantages we're looking for." (Continued)